Stockholm (AFP) - Extreme weather events pose a growing threat to democracy, according to a report published on Wednesday that counts at least 94 elections and referendums that were disrupted in 52 countries over two decades by floods, fires and other things.
Published on: 04/22/2026 - 09:03 Last updated: 04/22/2026 - 14:10
The report issued by the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), which specializes in democracy issues, stated that at least 26 elections and referendums were completely or partially postponed between 2006 and 2025 due to natural disasters.
The study, which the organization publishes on the occasion of Earth Day on April 22, added that other electoral processes were disrupted by floods, hurricanes, heat waves, and landslides, which are extreme weather phenomena caused by climate warming.
In 2024 alone, extreme weather conditions disrupted 23 electoral processes in 18 countries, according to the report titled “Managing Natural and Climate Risks in Electoral Processes.”
The organization explained, "These events, from hurricanes to floods, through forest fires and heat waves, cause damage to infrastructure, displace voters, and force last-minute adjustments to electoral processes."
Sarah Birch, professor of political science at King's College London, saw the need to "organize elections during periods when the risk of disasters is at its lowest levels."
"In some cases, electoral management bodies should also consider adjusting the election schedule in order to reduce the risk of disruption due to short-term disasters," she added.
© 2026 AFP
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